GUAYAS, ECUADOR — In a significant tactical intervention against organized crime, law enforcement authorities from Zone 8 executed a successful raid targeting a specialized criminal cell operating in coastal zones. The strategic operation took place in a remote mangrove area located within the Progreso parish, Guayaquil canton, Guayas province, Ecuador, where four individuals linked to the illicit group known as "Los Preñados" were taken into custody.
During an official press briefing delivered this Monday, September 7, 2026, Commander Walter Villarroel, head of the Zone 8 Police Command, detailed the outcomes of the intelligence-led action carried out on Sunday afternoon. According to official reports, security forces surprised the suspects while they were guarding a substantial strategic supply storage area hidden within the riverine vegetation.
Authorities reported that the following items were seized during the tactical raid:
- - 16 high-caliber rifles
- - 90 firearm magazines
- - 5,000 rounds of ammunition of various calibers
- - 5 outboard motors
- - 3 nautical vessels
- - 3 cellular communication devices
Commander Villarroel emphasized that the operation represents a severe disruption to the logistical operations of local criminal networks that utilize maritime corridors for illegal activities. Security analysts and community leaders in the coastal sector noted that clearing these isolated mangrove spots is vital for protecting local fishermen and restoring safety to key economic shipping corridors in the province.
"Our tactical units remain fully deployed across key sectors to disarm organized groups and guarantee public order in the region," Commander Villarroel stated during the announcement.
The four detained individuals, along with all seized war material and maritime equipment, were placed under the custody of judicial authorities to proceed with the formal prosecution process.
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